Page 7

Just then, the sun broke over the horizon– bright and triumphant. Its victory over me was immediate. The change ripped through the very core of my being, and I couldn’t hold it off any longer.

I transformed from a powerful fae king into a common bullfrog– the sort of frog that often inhabited our marshes. My skin was a rich, varied green, my legs were strong and made for leaping, and I had a long, sticky tongue for catching insects.

I groaned and buried my tiny face in my sheets. I tried not to let my daily change distract me from my annoyance with Hawthorne and his probing. He didn’t really have urgent paperwork. He was testing me. Aloud, I grumbled, "Can't we just stab him and have done?"

"I suppose we could, but his connections may prove useful."

I slowly lowered the pillow and nodded. "Then I'll meet with him." I rose.

"Sir," he stopped me.

"Do I look that bad?"

He bit his lip.

All the answer I needed.

"You cannot lay here like this. You cannot lose hope. You are needed."

Through my exhaustion, anger reared its ugly head. I snapped at him, my only remaining friend, my only true ally. "Then should I brush my hair one thousand times in the mirror? Bathe in the finest sea salts? Adorn my skin with pearls? Ask the selkies to procure me a mermaid’s scale for vitality?"

"No but-"

"Then what's the point?" I demanded.

He stared at me, and I could see he was about to lose his temper. Finally, he burst out, "You fool. You are dying."

I sighed. "What would you have me do? The witch is dead. I've consulted dozens more. Not one of them can break the curse."

"The curse is not what formed those marks," he hissed.

"You want me to find joy? If only I could. Reach out my hand and grasp it. Like a will-o'-the-wisp, warm and bright, its glow to keep me whole. But alas, it is not so."

"You will die," he repeated.

I clenched my jaw. "Maybe I shall."

"You selfish, arrogant ass. If you die, what becomes of us? Do you think the unseelie will rule as you do?"

"Go see to Liliana and her court. Make sure they’re well treated. Keep Hawthorne as far away as possible."

It was an order, and he knew it.

He bowed and left the room.

I was alone with my thoughts once more. There was no worse company. Harry really was a fine servant, an even better friend. It was too bad about the iron band around his heart. I hadn’t been the only victim that terrible day. Harry had been cursed too. As long as the band remained, he would never fall in love.

He had been right, too. I was being selfish. Giving up on myself, giving up on my life–it was a luxury I didn’t have. The island needed me. My people needed me. Even those wretched humans needed me.

There was only one choice. Change or die.

Many hours later, Harry returned, looking worn and tired. "Liliana and her visiting court members have enjoyed a full day of activities. They’re retiring to their rooms for the evening."

"Well done," I said, clapping him on the back.

His eyes raked over me, regarding me with surprise. "You’re dressed."

Had it really been so long since I had dressed properly? I supposed it had. Nonetheless, I ignored his pointed comment. "I’m off to find a bride. I'll be back in a few days. See to affairs here." I stared at my fingernails, attempting to give off an indolent, unconcerned air.